Whisper1 (Linda's) Thread #4 of 2016 75 Challenge Group

Image from Day Dreamers A Journey of Imagination by Emily Winfield Martin

Happy new thread my dear.

Welcome to thread #4. I'm glad you found me! Thanks to a few special friends, namely Amber (scaifea) and Brenda (BrenPilke) I've discovered the incredible art of children's illustrated books. When I'm weary, they provide solace. When I'm happy, they provide more sunshine. When I need escape, the images take me to a magical world.

Thanks to my lovely friend Anita, (FAMeulstee), I've discovered YA books. They are filled with brave souls who learn to overcome emotional and physical challenges. They are also filled with mentors who guide and prove that sometimes all we need in life is just one special person to love us, and then the world seems a better place.

And, certainly thanks to so many of you who are members of this wonderful group of kind, other-directed souls, my to be read piles are ever growing. Thanks to so many of you, I've read books I might not have given a second glance when walking through the aisle of libraries or book stores.

>2 johnsimpson: Hello John. How is your shoulder? I hope you are pain free. Thanks for stopping by.

Happy New Thread, Linda. I'm so far behind. I hope to do better. I hope your pain is manageable. I wish you a wonderful weekend.

Happy New Thread, Linda! Love the topper!

>3 Whisper1: I hear you Linda. There are so many influences on my reading (and buying habits!) in this group that I who love lists would hesitate to try and list them down.

Happy New Thread, dear lady and I trust your weekend is a peaceful and painless one.

:)

Happy New Thred, Linda!

Happy new thread!

Looking forward to lurking around and keeping up (hopefully) with all your new acquisitions and reads :)

Happy Sunday, Linda! Happy New Thread! I am just about done with Crenshaw. What a gem, this little book is. Thanks for the nudge.

Happy new thread, Linda!

Happy new thread, Linda! Wishing for you a Sunday full of lazy!

Hello to all. We met friends for lunch yesterday. I came home and slept on and off all day and night. I think my body needs sleep to heal. In between sleeping and waking, I managed to finish When Breath Becomes Air, and started and finished a new book on the Borden murders titled The Borden Murders, Lizzie Borden The Trial of the Century. Lo these many years later, the crime of multiple, horrific murder of Lizzie Borden's parents on a hot, hot August 4 1892 morning has not been solved.

I have many reviews to write, and hope to catch up soo.

Happy Weekend Everyone!

Happy Sunday, Linda! Rest up and relax, the reviews will wait.

ILLUSTRATED BOOK #52


Day Dreamers a Journey of imagination by Emily Winfield Martin

It is the wise that hold on to their imagination, long after childhood has ended. This is a lovely book focusing on where the imagination of a child can lead. To find wonderful, magical creatures, simply close your eyes and visit the land of waking dreams. As the author states, "And the ordinary world will never guess where you have gone."

Emily Winfield Martin is one of my favorite illustrators. I highly recommend that you take a journey through her lovely words and images.

Happy new thread!

>17 foggidawn:. Hi Thanks for stopping by! If you haven't read We Are All Made of Molecules, I highly recommend it!

BOOK # 24


We Are All Made of Molecules by Susan Nielsen

Increasingly, Young Adult books focus on difficult subjects. I very much liked this book, told from the perspective of two characters, both of whom are facing life-changing events. Ashley's parents split when her very wonderful, kind father told the family he was gay. Stewart's mother died the previous year, and he is still very much in grief.

Their lives come together when his father and her mother form a romantic relationship and Stewart's father moves in to the home that Ashley has known since a little girl. Her father lives in the carriage like house in the back of the property, while Stewart not only lost his mother, but his father sold the house holding so many memories of his very special, loving mother.

It is difficult for both Stewart and Ashley to form a blended family. Ashley doesn't like Stewart's geekiness, and Stewart has a strong negative reaction to Ashley's phony self absorption. Compounded with the fact that few of their items are moved into the house, Stewart and his father search for a way to feel at home, while Ashley doesn't try at all to accommodate them, and her mother makes a fledgling attempt.

While Ashley focuses of popularity, it is plain that Stewart is unpopular and nerdy. While Ashley lives to be recognized, Stewart hides out in the steps during lunch to be avoided. When the most good looking guy who recently moved to the school hits on Ashley, Stewart knows clearly he is trouble.

As Stewart finds a niche, and Ashley slowly learns that all the glitters isn't gold, the inevitable melt down results.

The only quarrel I have with the book is that it tried to cover too many serious topics including, but not limited to, a gay relationship of a father and his friend, and snail-like, acceptance by his daughter; grief of a serious, mature, intelligent child whose father may have moved too fast to fill a void, severe bullying, gay bashing, parents who struggle to care for the emotions of their children while trying to blend a family and hosting dinners for the former husband and his lover.

Still, the book works to handle difficult subjects in a mature way. And the way in which the characters unfold rings true, if only a tad too schmultzie.

3.5 stars.

>19 Whisper1: That one is on my TBR list!

L--Congrats on the new thread and Happy Sunday! Very nice review of Molecules. : )

>20 foggidawn: I thought of you when I read it. I'm very anxious to hear what your reactions are when you read it.

Kim, I'm thinking of you today and hoping you are well.

BOOKS READ NEEDING TO BE REVIEWED

Henry's Freedom Box by Ellen Levine
The Carousel by Liz Rosenberg with illustrations of Jim LaMarche
The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashely Spires
The Night Gardener by Terry Fan and Eric Fan
Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans
Lilly's Purple Purse by Kevin Henkes
Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry
The Village of Round and Square Houses by Ann Grifalconi
The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales by John Scieszka
Oh, Look by Patricia Polacco
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
The Borden Murders Lizzie Borden & the Trial of the Century by Sarah Miller

ILLUSTRATED BOOKS READ IN 2016 THUS FAR

JANUARY 2016

1) Warm As Wool written and illustrated by Scott Russell Sanders
2) The Ghost of Nicholas Greebe by Tony Johnston
3) Homeplace by Anne ShelbyMaria
4) Floating House by Russell Sanders
5) Albie's First Word: A Tale Inspired by Albert Einstein's Childhood BY Jacqueline Tourville
6) Snowed In With Grandmother Silk by Carol Fenner
7) Toads and Diamonds by Charlotte S. Huck
8) Summer Birds: The Butterflies of Maria Merian by Margarita Engle, Julie Paschkis (Illustrator)
9) Hansel and Gretel by Cynthia Rylant
10) Milly and the Macy's Parade by Shana Corey
11) The Raft by Jim LaMarche
12) P. Zonka Lays An Egg by Julie Paschkis
13) Lena's Sleep Sheep by Anita Lobel
14) Waiting written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes
15) Apple Cake: A Recipe for Love by Julie Pasckis

16) The Perfect Wizard, Hans Christian Andersen by Jane Yolen
Hansel & Gretel By Will Moses

17) Trombone Shorty by Troy Andrews,Bryan Collier (Illustrator)
18)
19) By Jim LaMarche The Raft
20) When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson by Pam Muñoz Ryan, Brian Selznick (Illustrator)

Favorite Illustrated book of January:


ILLUSTRATED BOOKS READ FEBRUARY 2016

21) Ain't Nobody a Stranger to Me by Ann Grifalconi, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
22) Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse written and illustrated by Leo Lionni
23) The Carousel by Liz Rosenberg, Jim LaMarche (Illustrator)
24) A Child's Goodnight Book by Margaret Brown Wise
25) Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena

Dream Animals: A Bedtime Journey by Emily Winfield Martin
26) The Elves and the Shoemaker by written and illustrated by Jim LaMarche
27) Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World's Most Famous Bear by Lindsay Mattick, Sophie Blackall(Illustrator)
28) The Hired Hand: An African-American Folktale by by Robert D. San Souci, Jerry Pinkney (Illustrator)
29) Lost and Found: Three Dog Stories written and illustrated by Jim LaMarche
30) Officer Buckle & Gloria written and illustrated by Peggy Rathman
31) Once Upon a Twice by Denise Doyen, Barry Moser (Illustrator)
32) Ouch! by Natalie Babbitt, Fred Marcellino (Illustrator)
33) The Rainbabies by Laura Krauss Melmed, Jim LaMarche (Illustrator)
34) A Single Pearl by Donna Jo Napoli, Jim LaMarche(Illustrator)
35) A Story for Bear by Dennis Haseley, Jim LaMarche (Illustrator)

Favorite Illustrated book of February:


ILLUSTRATED BOOKS READ MARCH 2016

36) Bug in a Vacuum by Melanie Watt
37) Can You Yawn Like a Fawn? by Monica Sweeney
38) Charley's First Night by Amy Hest
39) Coretta Scott King by Ntozake Shange
40) Day Dreamers: A Journey of Imagination by Emily Winfield Martin
41) Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Millems
42) The Duckling Gets a Cookie? by Mo Millems
43) Fritz and the Beautiful Horses by Jan Brett
44) Henry's Freedom Box by Ellen Levine
45) Home by Carson Ellis
46) In the Small, Small Pond by Denise Fleming
47) Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes
48) Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans
49) The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
50) The Night Gardener by Terry Fan
51) Oh, Look by Patricia Polacco
52) Otto the Owl Who Loved Poetry by Vern Kousky
53) Over-Scheduled Andrew by Ashley Spires
54) Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry
55) The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales by Jon Scieszka
56) Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev
57) Too Many Carrots by Katy Hudson
58) The Village of Round and Square by Ann Grifalconi
59) What Do You Do With an Idea? by Kobi Yamada
60) What To Do With a Box by Jane Yolen
61) The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin

**********************************************************************

NON ILLUSTRATED BOOKS READ JANUARY 2016

1) The Disappeared: A Novel (The Fredrika Bergman Series) by Kristina Ohlsson
2) The Taming of the Queen by Phillipa Gregory
3) Best Boy: A Novel by Eli Gottlieb
4) Women I Have Dressed and Undressed by Arnold Scaasi
5) Poetry for Young People: Edgar Allan Poe by Brod Bagert
6) Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate
7) Jane Eyre (Bloom's Modern Critical Interpretations) by Harold Bloom
8) Roller Girl by Victoria Jameson
9) Charles James: Beyond Fashion (Metropolitan Museum of Art by Harold Koda
10) April 4, 1968: Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Death and How it Changed America BY Michael Eric Dyson

Favorite Non Illustrated book of January:


NON ILLUSTRATED BOOKS READ FEBRUARY 2016

11) Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan
12) Poetry for Young People: Emily Dickinson by Frances Schoonmaker
13) Zora and Me by Victoria Bond
14) A Song for Harlem (Scraps of Time) by Patricia McKissack
15) Did You Ever Have A Family by Bill Clegg
16) Abby Takes a Stand (Scraps of Time) by Patricia McKissack
17 ) Bonechiller by Graham McNamee
18 ) The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Favorite Non Illustrated book of February:


NON ILLUSTRATED BOOKS READ MARCH 2016

19) The Dreamer by Pam Munoz Ryan, Peter Sis (Illustrator)
20) Icons of Women's Style by Josh Sims15)
21) Nightbird by Alice Hoffman
22) 100 Dresses: The Costume Institute/The Metropolitan Museum of Art by Harold Koda
23) Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon
24) We Are All Made of Molecules by Susin Nielsen
25) The Borden Murders: Lizzie Borden and the Trial of the Century by Sarah Miller
26) When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

Happy New Thread, Linda!

>25 Whisper1: Darryl, Many thanks for your excellent review of When Breath Become Air. I read this based upon your comments. I thought of you when I read the wife's comments at the end of the book; I cried as well!

BOOK #25

The Borden Murders Lizzie Borden & The Trial of the Century by Sarah Miller


It was a warm summer day. August 4, 1892 started out like many other days in Fall River, Mass.. And, the lives of the Borden family began in the same monotonously boring, subscribed way, except for the fact that two people were murdered inside the home of 92 Second Street. Not one, but two murders! All these years later, there is still no definitive proof of who murdered Abby Borden, and her husband Andrew.

While there are many books written with each author claims to have solved the mystery, perhaps the brutally hacked bodies will never have rest.

Lizzie was in the house. Bridget the Irish maid, even though she did not feel well, was outside cleaning the windows.
Even though she had not been fishing for a number of years, Lizzie felt the need to enter the barn located at the back side of the Borden property, supposedly to find lead for a sinker for her fishing rod. And, even though the dusty floor showed no signs of foot prints, still, that was the alibi.

Supposedly, the front door of the house was locked thrice when Andrew came home to take a nap in the parlor. Supposedly the step mother of Lizzie, Mrs. Abby Borden, received a note that a family member was ill and she went out to visit that person.

Returning from her window washing, Bridget stated she went inside and up to her attic room where she was resting when, she head Lizzie, in an very agitated manner, implore her to "come quick, I think father is hurt!"

In fact, he was more than hurt, he was dead...not only dead, but butchered so badly that one of his eyes was out of the socket and split in half. There was blood everywhere, on the horsehair sofa, on the rug, splattered on the wallpaper, and soaking, soaking his neatly folded Prince Albert coat, as the blood gravitated from the top of the frame of a wall picture, making rivets as it ran down.

Later, as the clock ticked, Lizzie thought to tell someone to go find her step mother. And, when she was found in the guest room upstairs, it appeared to be an even more gruesome butchering.

It is interesting to speculate who was guilty of these terrible crimes. Rumors flew wildly. Lizzie acted strangely, but then again, she was always thought to be strange. There was a relative who was visiting, but not there at the time of the murder...or was he?

This book systematically, and in a very interesting, well-written fashion, outlines the stated possible motives and takes the reader to the court house when Lizzie was the only one to stand trial. And, it was quite a sensational one at that!

Did she hate her step mother? Did she wish harm on her tight wad father? Was she exceedingly angry that her father had deeded a piece of property to Abby's sister's family? Were Emma and Lizzie concerned they would not receive a large inheritance? If so, killing both would certainly solve that potential problem.

Eventually, found not guilty, Lizzie was free to return home. She and her older sister Emma moved to a much nicer home up on the hill where the rich people lived. Later, Emma left stating she just couldn't take Lizzie's lifestyle anymore. After she left, the two never saw each other again.

While the court found her innocent, the townsfolk did not. She was severely ostracized and the brunt of much gossip and nastiness.

She died, and not one of her former friends was sad to see her go. By her request, she was buried at her father's feet. And, still these years later, children skip rope while rhythm chanting

Lizzie Borden took an axe,
Gave her mother forty whacks.
When she saw what she had done,
She gave her father forty-one.

Morning, Linda!

>29 scaifea: Morning Amber!

Morning, Linda!

Congratulations on the new thread!

I'm pretty sure our daughter read The Borden Murders and liked it. She's a true crime fan and fascinated by the Lizzie Borden story.

ILLUSTRATED BOOK #53
Henry's Freedom Box by Ellen Levine with illustrations of Kadir Nelson


Based upon the true story of Henry "Box" Brown who, when his entire family was sold, splitting them apart, never to be seen again, decided enough was enough. So very distraught over his life, the fact that he grew up a slave and was passed along to his owner's son when the owner died, then working hard in a tobacco field, knowing the happiness of three children and a wife, only to have it taken away, he transported himself in a box to freedom.

Woven in the text is the underground railroad and a white man who helped him free the chains of slavery. Delivered on March 30, 1849, he henceforth celebrated his birthday as March 30.

ILLUSTRATED BOOK #54
Lilly's Plastic Purple Purse by Kevin Henkes


I so liked this wonderful book. Lilly is a character that you simply have to love. She is smart, sassy while clumping around in bright red cowgirl boots. When Lilly is enthralled with her new object, she brings the purple purse to school.

Happily flaunting the purse, she feels so excited that she cannot contain herself. Interupting the teacher, demanding attention, nets the fact that her purse is taken away and stored by the teacher.

Sassy Lilly writes a terrible, mean spirited letter about her teacher. Later, realizing the error of her ways, she apologizes. Whereupon, she learns some valuable lessons.

I smile each time I read Caldecott-winning illustrator Kevin Henke's master piece. The illustrations were so marvelous in showing happiness, anger, and reconciliation.

ILLUSTRATED BOOK #55

The Village of Round and Square Houses by Ann Grifalconi

Based on the historical event of a volcanic eruption in the African rural Cameroon village of Tos, a young girl seeks to understand why the men live in round houses and the women of the village reside in square abodes.

The African folktale noted that after the volcano quieted, only one squae and one round house was left standing. This is a wonderful, engaging book covering traditions and remain generation after generation.

The book received a well-deserved Caldecott honor in 1987. The illustrations are colorful, bright and lively.

Hi Linda! The Lizzie Borden book sounds good. I'll have to keep an eye out for it!

Hi Linda. We Are All Made of Molecules sounds really good.
And...

Hi Linda! I enjoyed looking over your book list of illustrated and non-illustrated books read this year. You go!

Hi Carrie, Ellen and Mary! It is so nice to see posts from you.

You have read some beautiful illustrated books again, Linda, thanks for sharing some pictures!
I hope the pain is not too bad today...
((((hugs))))

Over on your last thread in message 177, you had the illustration of the "shoe-house." It reminds me of the big shoe that used to sit on Lamar Avenue in Memphis. It housed a shoe store. As a child I was fascinated by it whenever we would drive by it. However, I remembered my nursery rhymes, and I really didn't want to go there, because I feared the old woman who lived there might spank me soundly as they rhyme went. I found a photo of the shoe.

Have a wonderful Easter.

Linda, I wish you a fabulous weekend.

>39 FAMeulstee: Thanks Anita. I wish a happy day to you!
>40 thornton37814: Lori, that is a great story. I would be fascinated by the creative building, and like you, I would be fearful to enter it.
>41 PaulCranswick:, 42 , 43 Many thanks for these lovely spring images. It is pouring rain today. How I would like to be home reading.

BOOK #26


The Haunting of Sunshine Girl by Paige McKenzie

I simply didn't think this book was all that good. It took time to finish, for me, a sign that I can't get into a book.

When a teen aged girl named sunshine moves across country with her mother, the days are rainy and damp. Immediately when moving into a house found on Craig's list, sounds are heard, and objects are moved. It appears to be happening in relation to a little girl whose soul is trapped in the house.

Finding a companion/friend in school who helps Sunshine understand what is happening in the house, and now to her mother who appears to have a very big personality change, together they seek ways to end the madness.

One of the few young adult books that I've read wherein the story line did not transcend into good reading for an adult.

Happy Easter Linda, sending love and hugs my dear. I hope you are well and I just love your book reviews.

>46 johnsimpson: And, Happy Easter to you as well John.
Thank you for your kind words.

BOOK #27
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi


Darryl (Kidzdoc) recommended this so highly, that I knew I had to read it. And, I echo his thoughts and feelings! This is an incredible book in so many ways.

Life was good for Dr. Paul Kalanithi, he found his niche in the profession of neurosurgery, and he was very close to completing all requirements he needed in order to place in a high-level position of scholarly research and surgery.

While still in medical school, he developed severe, debilitating back pain. His MRI showed cancerous masses in the lungs, spreading to other areas. Both he and his medical wife knew there could be no mistake.

This is a story, written by Paul, as he grapples with life and death decisions. Always drawn to philosophy and the meaning and purpose of life, Paul now had to assimilate all he read and had to live the words and begin the journey and waltz of the dance of death.

Realistic and never dramatic, Paul shows a great deal of emotion. When in a small remission period, he went back to performing very complicated surgeries. Increasingly, though, he knew that the days were limited when he could excel in the delicate, complex surgeries that he has schooled to perform.

As he and his wife celebrated all that was good in life, including the birth of a baby girl, they also heard the clicking of the clock.

He broke down and cried when he could no longer perform surgery. He and his wife cried when MRI's and his increasing pain and lack of air began to cut into quality time.

I highly recommend this well-written, thoughtful discourse on the reality that life is fragile, and fate has other plans than those we hope to accomplish in our time on earth.

Five stars!

>48 Whisper1: I was eyeing that one the other day and didn't pick it up. Your review, along with Darryl's recommendation, have me thinking I will want to read it. It might touch a wee bit close to home but I think I would so resonate with the celebratory and grateful aspects of his experience. The clock is ticking for all of us, we just don't usually hear it (and that is probably a good thing).

Have a lovely weekend, Linda!

Thanks for your lovely message Ellen!

Hope your Easter is a happy one! Filled with little munchkins?

>28 Whisper1: Hello dear! I'm going to have to bookmark this one for summer, when I can take a break from required reading.

I hope you're having a lovely weekend!

>48 Whisper1: Good review of When Breath Becomes Air, Linda. That one's coming up soon for me. Madame MBH loved it, too.

The Lizzie Borden case always fascinates. Trouble is nobody told the same story twice - not the cops, not the suspects not the witnesses.

Always remember Elizabeth Montgomery as Lizzie in a made for TV movie that assumes Lizzie did it - which never rang true to me.

My Ohio youngest niece is having a baby and asking for picture books for the new boy. (expected in April). May send them out Summer Birds. Thanks for the tip.

and many warm wishes to you my dear friend.

Hi Kim, Luxx, Joe and Jim!

It is a lovely day here. While it is chilly, the sun is shining and the grass is greening.

Happy Easter, Linda! Great review of When Breath Becomes Air. Keep spreading that book joy, my friend.

Happy Easter, Linda

A very Happy Easter to you, Linda!

Your reading stats are incredible! Must still catch up on the last thread, but this one alone holds so many lovely illustrated books again! Never heard of those Borden murders and don't think this is a book I'd want to read. The Kalanithi book sounds great, BB caught! :)

Happy Easter, dear Linda!

Hope you had a happy Easter, Linda!

Thanks to all for your lovely messages. They mean so much.

After moving forward from the very invasive spine and neck reconfiguration last year at Thomas Jefferson in Philadelphia, PA, I'm taking some steps backward.

I received a personal phone call from the local surgeon who referred me to TJ. He looked at a recent ct scan, and "Wants to talk ASAP. He will be in tomorrow (Tuesday)." He wants me to call him in the morning. It is unusual to receive a personal call from him. Drat! This just doesn't sound good. And, my pain level has increased dramatically.

While the surgeon at TJ looked at the ct scan and noted more surgeries are necessary. He didn't spend the time and attention to detail that Dr. Flaytan does. My guess is that one of the rods near the area that is not fused is vulnerable, and perhaps snapped. Oh, Lordy, I'm weary of it all.

The increased pain level leaves me very tired because I'm not able to sleep for a long period of time. Three diludid is my max. per day, and this is barely touching the pain.

How I wish my life was not consumed with doctor visits, ct scans, multiple pain medications, mri's.

I'm still moving forward, even if my body doesn't want to cooperate...darn it. And, I will continue to work....yes, I will!

Gentle Hug.

Darn it all, Linda! I hope you'll hear some news on Tuesday that renews your hope and also can help with the pain.

More gentle hugs and good thoughts and prayers.

Oof. I hope a bit of good news finds its way to you, Linda. Sending positive thoughts.

I'm sorry about your increased pain level. It is discouraging but I'm so glad you're able to show your body who's boss! Here's to "still moving forward" and continuing to work!

Gentle hugs coming your way, Linda.

{{{Linda}}} Thinking of you and trying to send you positive thoughts/ energies.

>63 Whisper1: I hope this morning's call is productive if not entirely "good."

Thinking of you, as always, Linda. You're amazing. And you can do this. I believe in you!!

Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers, Linda.

Hi Linda, so sorry to hear you are in pain my dear and I will be thinking of you and will say some prayers. It sounds really tough and having a personal call is quite worrying, you are strong my dear, I can tell that from the brief period of knowing you and from the messages of others. Sending love and hugs from Karen and I.

Hi there. Just stopping by to see what the latest news is....You have had rotten luck and I hope it is about to turn around for you! xoxo

The news is more surgeries are surely necessary. Three surgeries are coming my way. Right now there are differing opinions regarding how many at once, where they will be performed, and when.

I'll post more later. For now, I am just so damn weary of it all.

I appreciate all the kind words. They mean so much.

My usual good spirits are just a tad dented.

>75 Whisper1: Well, rats. So sorry to hear that, Linda.

<3

Eesh. Thinking of you, Linda.

Linda, I meant turn around as in 180, not 360! Back to the drawing board. Honestly! So sorry. xoxo

>76 foggidawn:->79 Berly: Many thanks! Life is good, this is a bump in the road. I knew I needed more surgeries, I simply had to face it head on when the local surgeon, who is always so cautious regarding surgeries, noted that there is no choice now.

I'm glad it is Friday. I can read and relax over the weekend. And, my lovely grand daughter will be with us. I so enjoy her!

BOOK 27


A Wreath for Emmett Till by Marilyn Nelson

This is a re-read for me. Because I own so many books, and have the habit of going to the library to check out more than I can read in the allotted time, I don't usually read a book more than once. But, because I first read this prior to immersing myself in learning about the Civil Rights movement, I wanted to get clearer insights regarding one of the major events that sparked and propelled Civil Rights forward.

His father was killed in the service because of an accusation of making advances, perhaps raping a white woman. How strangely tragic it was that things came full circle for poor Emmett Till.

Emmett Till was what some would say "a mommy's baby." He did not know his father, but had step fathers, some who were important in his life. But, after the relationships faded, Emmett and his mother were dependent on each other.

Close to his mother and family, he was an attractive, over weight, fun loving prankster of a boy. Some noted that while he could be shy, he also loved to be the center of attention. At times, his dare devil attitude and behavior resulted in trouble. Terribly, when at 14 he visited Money, Mississippi, his behavior resulted in death.

A wonderful poet, the author cleverly, expertly uses sophisticated poetry to express the sadness, and horror that resulted when Emmett and cousins defied Uncle Moses rules and, unknown to his Uncle, visited Bryant's store.

As the end of one poem becomes the beginning of the next, Marilyn Nelson uses the significance and meaning of various flowers, including Rosemary for remembrance, and rue, yew and cypress for grief.

No one knows for sure what happened on August 28, 1955. Did the fun loving jokester from Chicago suburbs forget that he was thick in the delta of bigotry. Did he, as Bryant's wife reported, make illicit comments to her, touching her hand while smiling and collecting his change from a bubble gum purchase?

What is know is that four days later, at approximately 2:30 a.m. Roy Bryant, Carolyn's husband, and his half brother J.W. Milam kidnapped Till from Emmett's Uncle Moses Wright's home.

The dramatic poetic form of the beating beyond recognition and the shot gun hole left in his head, renders this imagery difficult to absorb.

Read this and weep for a boy too soon gone. Cry for the ugly hatred and bigotry in a culture that could not abide by any one whom they thought did not know their place.

Five Stars

Powerful story and book, Linda. {{{Linda}}}

I'm so sorry to read about your health condition. Thinking of you and sending lots of positive vibes. Gentle hugs xx

Morning, Linda! Happy Saturday! Good review of A Wreath for Emmett Till. Looking forward to reading that one.

Stopping in to say that I am thinking of you and sending you my love.

>81 Whisper1: Wonderful review, Linda. Even though I have waaayyyy too many books lined up for the month, I just requested that one.

You are one brave lady. Facing up to the inevitable with grace is no easy feat. And you are doing it.

Enjoy every minute with your granddaughter today!

ETA: I think you should add your review to Mark's American Author poetry thread : http://www.librarything.com/topic/220301

More surgeries, then. I'm both shaking my fists at your personal fates and also sending all sorts of good thoughts your way. You can do this, lady. You're a Wonder Woman!

You know, your strength and amazing attitude through all of this makes me think that I'd love to read the inspirational book you could write about this whole business. What do you reckon...?

Thanks to all for your wonderful support. I'll address each of you later.

Because of increased pain, I called the local surgeon's office today. They opened a 7:45 slot tomorrow morning. I'll have more xrays and proceed accordingly.

I'm taking it in stride, knowing that it is not going to be easy having more surgeries on a body that hasn't recovered from the prior ones.

But, I'm ok...not great, but ok, and, I'm blessed in many, many ways, including the wonderful support from this loving, caring group.

Once again, as with my childhood, reading is my salvation.

>86 streamsong: Thanks for your suggestion. I'll post the review there. I feel so strongly about this book, and the terror that poor Emmett faced before his death at the hands of what they now believe to be FOUR bigoted, red-neck, racist men.

>88 Whisper1: Linda, I'm so sorry to hear about your increased pain and more surgeries. You are one of the bravest women that I've ever met. If there's anything I can do, just let me know. I'm not that far away.

You are in out thoughts and prayers, Linda. Hoping you can feel the love and good wishes headed your way.

Thinking of you, Linda, and sending comforting thoughts.
I am very sorry to read you are facing surgeries again... I truly hope these will be the solution to your pain problems!

Linda, so sorry to read of more pain and surgeries for you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

>75 Whisper1: {{{{{Linda}}}}} So sorry to hear that and adding my thoughts and prayers. I really want there to be an end to all of this for you.

Thanks to all. It was an emotional day. I met with the local surgeon at 7:30 a.m. this morning.

Recent discoveries since the meeting with Dr. Vacarro, the surgeon at Thomas Jefferson, show that it is not wise to wait for a long period of time. It looks like I don't have the option of scheduling the surgery when I want to have it.

After careful examination of the most recent ct scan, Dr. Flaytan (local surgeon) wants the surgery soon. It was agreed that I could wait until mid- May when the semester ends so that I can work with the students before they graduate.

One of the defective rods appears as though it is very close to inside the nerve area on the right side of my shoulder blade. The left side shows what we knew soon after the February 2015 surgery, ie the rod is poking a nerve. Both these defective rods are more problematic than they were last year. This explains the severe long lasting and increased pain level. My back is very tight, and inflamed with severe spasms.

Screws are loose not only at C2-3, but now also at the T1-2 levels.

We knew there was no fusion at C6-7, but because of the long term lack of support, the connecting rod is showing wear, and there is a legitimate fear that it will break. So, the option of waiting long-term is not a safe choice.

Sadly, my back continues to hunch. There was discussion of perhaps placing additional rods to straighten the area, connecting the new rods with undamaged ones placed February '15, I think that this is way too much surgery for me to undergo, and I'll elect to pass on this for now.

I'm emotionally drained. After the appointment, I sat in the lobby, drank a cup of hot chocolate and thought positive things, such as perhaps the surgery is the answer to finally getting the pain managed.

It has been a very tough year with near constant pain. With the exception of the benefit of my neck no longer on my chest, and raised seven inches (to normal level), the pain simply is worse than before the surgery.

I went through so much for what seems so little. But, If this surgery. when all the corrections are made. can render me able to sleep at night, able to function at a higher level, able to more ahead, after post-surgery pain, then I'm ready!

My main concern is for Will. He is 71. After the surgery last year, he had to take me to the ER at least four times. And, it is difficult for him to go back and forth from our house to Philadelphia PA during and after the surgery, and then to take care of me when I come home.

I've decided that I will ask to be hospitalized a week and then at least stay at Thomas Jefferson rehabilitation center for one-two weeks. Then it might be easier to make the transition to home.

Sorry for this long message. I appreciate the kind support.

Dear, dear Linda. I wish it were not so. I do pray for successful surgery with new intensity, and I think that your decision to stay in the facilities for a longer time is very wise. I'll just say that I'm 71 too, and that Will can do what he needs to do, so don't worry about him. He will worry less though if he knows you're in good hands.
Bless you both, you dears.

I can only echo what Peggy says, and I wish there was more I could do than sending love and good wishes and positive energy. I could go on how sad it is that last year's ordeal didn't lead to better results, but what is the use now? You can only look forwards, and we're all hoping and praying with you that this new surgery will bring the relief you need. I hope also that this time they keep you in their care as long as necessary and give you all the rehabilitation treatments you need. Keeping you and Will in my thoughts. Lots of super-gentle {{{hugs}}}

You continue to amaze me, Linda, with your courage and your strength. I will, of course, keep keeping you in my thoughts and my heart and fully ensconced in my deep admiration. You. Can. Do. This.

It's just like you to think about Will first. :0) Actually, even if Will was 51,it's a great idea to spend a couple of weeks in rehab with professionals who can address your ups and downs accordingly. As always, you remain in my thoughts and prayers.

Hi Linda, I hope that the surgery does the trick my dear, you are an inspiration to us all. I think you are right with your surgery plans and your length of stay and we will both be keeping you in our thoughts. Sending love and hugs from over the pond.

What John said, Linda. What a lot you've been through. Sending lots of positive thoughts for this surgery to reduce the pain and give you effective support.

Amen to what the others said. Warm wishes and prayers for success in your next surgeries and a pain-reduced future.

>95 Whisper1: {{{{Linda}}}} Basically what everyone else has said - keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

I just want too cry. Wish I had the magic to make it all better.

Linda, I know how much you love beautiful images, so when I saw this, I thought of you. I just cannot imagine what you are feeling right now, as you have been handed a lot to deal with. I so agree with what Lynda and Amber said up there - I continue to be amazed by your strength and your courage and your thoughtfulness. What I am wishing for you is that you would find joy in every small moment that you can as you deal with all of this. We will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers and sending you positive mojo.

Thanks to all. The messages bring tears!

Unlike the past surgeries at Thomas Jefferson wherein they did not get back to me and there was a lot of frustration, this time is different. I heard from them right away on Monday after Dr. Flaytan connected with Dr. Vacarro.

The date set for the surgery is June 13th. Now, I once again have to have extensive clearance to have the surgery, including heart tests, because they are going in through the front of my neck, tests to gauge if my vocal cords are strong enough, written clearance from my primary doctor, and fitting of a neck brace.

I'll spend a day at Thomas Jefferson meeting with each of these departments. I'll meet with my primary doctor next week. And, I also need to meet with Dr. Vacarro who will explain in depth what the surgery entails and how he is going to fix the problems.

The dust has cleared and I'm looking forward to moving ahead in the hope that all this nasty pain will be helped by the procedures.

Again, I deeply appreciate all of you. I haven't read that much lately. I still have reviews to write illustrated books.

>106 Whisper1: Oh Linda, I am just so sorry that you have all this to go through and you are in my thoughts and prayers every day. If I can be of any help, please just let me know. I would be more than happy to just sit with you in the waiting rooms and take notes if you like! Anything you need.

I'm glad there is at least a plan in place, and I think your idea of hospitalization is sensible, if not perhaps what would be perfect (emotionally). Thanks for keeping us informed - you're in our thoughts.

>48 Whisper1: BB, though I'll wait for the paperback.
>63 Whisper1:, >75 Whisper1:, >95 Whisper1: Oh,"weary" I can hear in just your brief summaries. I so hope this next round of surgery will decrease the pain, and will be accomplished with significantly better communication.

Exactly what Katherine said!
If we can't be "there" for you, at least we can be "here" for you - and we are!

Many thoughts and prayers for strength and healing for you and Will.

Thanks everyone. What a week! Thursday at work I I was weak and achy. Last night I developed a severe stomach ache. I have the flu.

The good news is between the visits to the bathroom and naps, I am reading an excellent book, just published. Dreamland outlines how America, especially small town areas became increasingly dependent upon Heroine.

Tracing the traffic from one spot in Mexico where black Opium tar is produced and brought into the country. in addition, the book focuses on the fact that some doctors are quite happy to freely dispense pain medications, long after they are needed.

This is a frightening, well-documented book.

Ugh! Sorry about the flu :/

Dreamland was reviewed at one of my local book groups several weeks ago. Sounds fascinating and I quickly requested a copy from the library. After bringing it home, I decided against reading it, thinking it would be too depressing and scary. So like you to bravely take on this all-to-real subject.

Take care and feel better soon!

Oh, no! The flu! That stuff is going round Charlie's school these days and I'm crossing fingers that it doesn't invade our house...

Feel better soon, friend!

Linda, you're in my thoughts and prayers. Sending you huge amounts of positive vibes.

>112 Whisper1: Praying for some positive news soon.

Oh no. Oh no. I'm sorry about the flu, Linda. I hope it's a light case and will give you time for more rest than sickness, if that makes any sense at all.
Take care of yourself!

Just sent you a message on your profile page. Marianne

I felt a rumble in my heart,
Over the mountains,
As the engine ate the spark,
Spitting out the miles.
Times when I tried to jump the track,
Weight of the world upon my back.
Still, after all is said and done,
This train still runs.

It doesn't matter where it's gone,
This train still runs.
And though the baggage weighs a ton,
We carry on.
Nothing is forever young and I'm not done.
This train still runs

Thinking of you Linda.

Here's hoping the stomach bug is on its way to being history and that you are feeling better.

I just fiished reading A Wreath for Emmett Till and am really glad to have taken the book bullet. I don't think I knew about Emmett before your review. Such a very sad chapter in the history of US racism.

And I learned a bit about sonnets, too. I was completely unfamiliar with heroic crown sonnets, but what a beautiful way to tell this story!

>33 Whisper1: Molly's 3rd birthday is coming up soon. Her favorite color is purple and she loves to wear her boots. I think this book with a small purple purse will make her very happy!

>48 Whisper1: I too adored When Breath Becomes Air.We lost a good man way too early. What a writer he was…and the epilogue by his wife was also well written…and heartbreaking.

Linda, I read on FB and here about your upcoming surgery. I am so sorry that you haven't gotten the pain relief you deserve from past surgeries. I am holding you and Will (who is the same age as my husband) in my thoughts and prayers as you go through another major surgery together. The idea of recovering somewhat in a rehab center is a good one. Will might get more rest and you won't have to add the worry about him to the strength you will need to heal. Oh dang, now you have the flu on top of everything else. I hope you get over it soon. Thank goodness for books to sustain you.

Hey Linda, I just reviewed Raymie Nightingale over on my thread, and it's one I think you'd really like.

Linda, so sorry to hear about your ongoing back pain and the needed future surgeries. You're in my thoughts and prayers. As rough as getting the flu is, I hope you are able to rest well with it and have energy for each day as it comes.

Thanks to all. I forgot how nasty the flu is. Today is the first day I feel somewhat human. It is a beautiful spring day. I'm focusing on the beauty of it all!

I deeply appreciate all the comments and out reach,,,more than words can express.

BOOK #28

Dreamland: The True Tale of American's Opiate Epidemic by Sam Quiones


In Portsmouth, Ohio circa 1929, the town built a football field size pool. It became the center for generations to swim, meet others, eat french fries and hot dogs and enjoy a slice of the American dream. That was then, now the town lies in ruin and decay. Businesses are gone as families moved away.

In place of a close-knit community, are major pill mills of distribution. By the mid 2000s, Portsmouth had more pill (OxyCodone, OxyContin,, dilaudid, vicodin) mills per capita than any other in the US. Difficult to believe, it was at one time a thriving community of hard working, blue-collar people who were happy.

Fast forward to today where across America, in small and big towns, cheap, easy to find black--tar heroin is the desired drug of choice. Leading to severe, almost immediate addiction, this potent drug flourishes and races with lightening-like speed across the highways and byways of America.

Indeed, it is difficult to know someone who is not impacted by the effects of drugs upon the social fabric, ripping and tearing apart any safety net imagined, heroin addiction crosses all socioeconomic classes.

The author traces the arrival and incredible snake like, fast-moving poisonous web throughout small-town America,to one major Mexican cartel. In the 1990's, The Xalisco Boys from Nayarit, Mexico were genius in their pizza-like delivery plan. in their wake, they continue to leave thousands upon thousands highly addicted and dead,

In search of the American dream, The Xalisco cartel use poor Mexicans to carry small, rolled balls of heroin in balloons in their mouth. Fanning out across the border, to fit in, they tend to choose communities with a large Mexican population already in place. As soon as they are given a cell phone, the multiple calls arrive all day long, and the young men are more than happy to deliver door-to-door.

This multi-faceted problem has many veins. Coupled with the quick, easy, cheap way to get addicted to herion, hand in hand, is American's addiction to pain killers. Narcotics industries revolutionized advertising both to doctors who dispense, and Americans willing to take mass doses of highly addictive medication.

Arthur Sackler was the revolutionary mind who unleashed the drug advertising campaigns touting the joys and benefits of pain medications. If you visit the New York Metropolitan Museum, you will find an entire wing dedicated to his art given to the met. Not only successful in accumulating art, he was just as craft in advertising opiates. So highly successful was he that In 2008 overdose from opiates outnumbered deaths by auto accident.

Researchers discovered that in the molecular structure of opiates is a compound that fits like a key in a lock, opening the feel-good high calling for larger and larger quantities.

This unlocking structure of opiates makes it so very difficult to give up the habit. Researchers found that the body is so amazing at holding on to this substance, that even the kidneys rebel against eliminating it from the system.

While the book could have been less redundant, I think the author cannot be faulted for this. In his aim to hit the mark of how very insidious this is, he needs to repeat the figures over and over. Like someone who simply cannot believe a terrible fact, he stresses over and over and over again just how very terrible the American landscape has become.

Difficult to read, but recommended.

Linda--I am so glad that you have a date scheduled for the next operation. Good luck with all the pre-op tests and fittings and I think the longer stay at the hospital sounds like a great plan. Now, in the immediate future, sending anti-flu vibes to you! That is just no fun at all. Bless you for your amazing and continued courage and optimism. And nice review of a tough book. Big hugs.

Kim

I want to thank you for recommending Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? I read your review! I cannot come anywhere near writing as good as you did about this amazing book.

I laughed; I cried. I did not want it to end.

Yay! A happy ending to a book bullet! I am so glad you enjoyed it as much as I did. It is among my all-time favorites. And your reviews are always stellar, but thank you very much for the compliment. : )

Books read, needing reviews:

When We Were the Kennedys by Monica Wood...an amazing book!
Why Be Happy When You Could be Normal by Jeanette Winterson .. This is an incredible book!!! It is so well written that I felt like sighing throughout the entire read.
Emmett Till The Murder That Shocked The World and Propelled The Civil Rights Movement An in depth look at this historical tragedy from the perspective that 50 years can provide.
Getting Away With Murder The True Story of the Emmett Till Case by Chris Crowe

I think I'll take a break from Civil Rights books for awhile. I'm obsessed and feel like I fell into a deep tunnel wherein a little knowledge demands a lot, and so I read more and more and more.

I still think that you should get White Flour, Linda! It would wrap up your current Civil Rights reading on a high note!

Linda, I bought and read a children's non-fiction book you would like. Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker by Patricia Powell and illustrates by Christian Robinson. Written in free form poetry and beautifully illustrated. She was a truly fascinating woman and this book does a good job of introducing her to young readers or old readers like us!

Peggy, I think I need to buy this book. None of my local libraries has it. How nice that I am now planning a book buying trip this weekend. Thanks.

Brenda. Thanks for recommending this book. It sits on my tbr pile for a long time. I'll be sure to check for it on my book buying trip this weekend. Thanks!

The past few weeks have been physically and emotionally draining. I head back down to Thomas Jefferson Tuesday, the 19th, to meet with the surgeon to discuss what a how he is going to do on the day of surgery -- June 13th.

I'm ready to face this and get it over with. I so want to move on beyond consuming pain.

On a very positive note, I've had a lot of down time to read. Thanks to Berly (Kim) I read

BOOK #29

Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? by Jeanette Winterson

This is such a stellar book that a review is difficult. Suffice it to say it is one wherein I want to tell my book loving friends to read it--just go ahead and read it! Those of us who are avid readers know good writing when we read, and feel it!

The author was adopted. Sadly, she was taken into a small England town by a flat-out-crazy woman and her never discuss a problem husband.

While Jeanette was physically and emotionally beaten down, her father simply followed what his wife wanted her to do. If she "needed" to be beaten, then he did it.

Throughout the book, the author never calls the woman mother. She is known as "Mrs."
Left alone on the outside stoop for hours and hours, or locked in a bin, she learned to get tough. It is with words that her internal beauty came through.

Always drawn to books, when she worked, she bought them. When the Mrs. found them, they were promptly burnt.

At the age of sixteen, when Jeanette discovered love via another woman's arms, in church her mother announced that an exorcism was needed. No where better was the hypocrisy of her mother's religion shown than when one of the men performing the exorcism was visibly aroused and tried to accost Jeanette.

This incredibly well-written book is about many things. It is about the search for love and the difficulty of trust. It is about the search for identity of a biological mother. It is about reading and the redemption of beautifully crafted words. It is about the meaning of home. And, I urge you to read it--just go ahead and read it.

Five stars.

Hi Linda, wishing you a wonderful weekend my dear, sending love and hugs.

Thanks John!

BOOK #30


When We Were the Kennedys: A Memoir from Mexico, Maine by Monica Wood

Periodically, a book takes the breath away with its beauty. This is such a book! It is simply incredibly superb! The Wood family stays with you long after the last page is finished.

This is an ode to small town Maine, thus, small town America, when the life of the community and is livelihood was dependent upon a mill. The Oxford paper factory in Rumsford, Maine supplied good quality paper and, in 1963, the time frame this book begins, provided back-breaking, heart-stopping jobs as it gave a steady paycheck and benefits to hard-working, 3,000 people.

Before harsh, but needed, EPA rules, The Oxford paper factory was but one industry that spewed dangerous chemicals in the air, and water as every day, non stop workers unleashed vat upon vat of sulphur dioxide, calcium bisulphate, and methyl mercaptan into the Androscoggin river.

The Androscoggin river was one of the most hazardous places in the Untied States in mid 1960's. And, when the egg-like smell became unbearable, and fish died in the river, the government via former Maine Senator, Edmund Muskie, a former school class mate of the author's mother, was instrumental in bringing about the Clean Water Act.

The sudden death by heart attack of her fifty-nine year old father forever changed the lives of the author and her family. With crisp writing, the author shows a down ward spiral of depression, grief and tragic loss. Those who managed to assist were Father Bob, the Catholic brother of Mrs. Wood, and Ann, the oldest school-teacher sister.

When JFK is assassinated, Mrs. Wood identifies with Jackie Kennedy and her noble grief. Taking an unexpected trip to Washington, DC, the Woods grieve with a nation, shocked, traumatized, and in pain.

As the nation and the Wood family move through their grief, the mill town, filled with vibrancy of various diversity of ethnic backgrounds becomes less colorful and looses the sheen as the paper mill is bought up by another company, and after a succession of bad decisions, the workers must strike to avoid performing two jobs for one pay.

Faster modes of operation begin to impact on the ability to make a good profit. And, the workers throughout the United States and Rumson, Maine must return to work to support their families. Running on a faster and faster treadmill, the inevitability of entropy is on the horizon.

While the Wood family survive with the strong solid base of family and community love, the Oxford paper factory is not as fortunate. And, across America, time marches on and the industrial world is never the same.

Highly developed, wonderful characters combined with a historical snapshot of America, render this a must read.

Five Stars!

I got you with Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? and now you got me with When We Were the Kennedys!! Turn about IS fair play. : )

Happy Sunday, Linda.

>137 Berly:...Smiles coming at you
>138 Ameise1: Dear Barbara, thanks so much for these uplifting images.

BOOK #31

Getting Away with Murder: The True Story of the Emmett Till Case by Chris Crowe

On a hot steamy August evening, young fourteen year old boy Emmett Till and his cousins, despite the rules of Emmett's uncle, left church and walked to a rural store in Money, Mississippi. A checker game was happening on the front porch.

From Chicago, Ill, young Emmett was not accustomed to the Jim Crow laws of the south. While the exact details of what Emmett said to the white, pretty, beauty contest winner wife of Roy Bryant, his behavior was enough to enrage Roy Bryant and his step brother J.W. Milam.

A few days later, Emmett's bloated, beaten-beyond recognition, body was found in the Tallahatchie river.

This book focus on the travesty and lack of justice when Emmett's murderers were placed on trial. Admitting to kidnapping, both Boy and J.W. told the sheriff that they left him go.

There were others in the shed who assisted in pistol whipping Emmett. Two of whom were hidden by the sheriff at the time of the trial.

Despite the fact that Roy and J.W. were not considered quality people by all who knew them, they were acquitted and left go.

There was in fact no way a black boy could live after breaking the strict rule of keeping black men away from white women. For perhaps swaggering into the store and calling Caroline Bryant "baby", the price Emmett paid as with his life.

Considered the event that ushered in the Civil Rights movement, Emmett's mother kept vigil at his casket as thousands marched past witnessing the horror of his badly beaten body.

As Bryant and Milam were ostracized by people in the rural community, their popularity lessened. Blacks protested by not buying things at the Bryant store. Soon, both Bryant and Milam found it difficult to make ends meet. Thus, when Look magazine promised $3,500 for the story of how they murdered Emmett, Bryant and Milam gladly gave up the details.

For all to read, these two near do wells, bragged about the murder. Within the next few years, the Civil Rights movement, including Rosa Park's refusal to give up her seat on the bus, and the huge bus boycott, were major steps by blacks justifiably showing they had had enough.

Linda, I am amazed at how you pull yourself together and find hope for a better outcome after so many disappointments. And thinking of Will and your students...I think that probably helps you deal with these set-backs, but how many people could really do it? As everyone else has said, I'll be sending out as much positive energy as I can for you in the coming months as you get ready for another round of recovery. Good luck tomorrow with your meeting with the surgeon.

I was not able to go to Thomas Jefferson on Tuesday. Monday, while I was in a number of meetings, my neighbors were trying to reach me. At first, it appeared that Will had a stroke. He completely blanked out. It scared our little neighborhood girl who loves Will dearly. Since the age of three, she has vowed that she will marry him.

He was watching her on Monday. When he stood at the stove to make mac and cheese, he could not remember how to do this simple task. His mind went blank. One neighbor watched little Kayla and another took him to the emergency room.

Finally, when I got back to my desk I discovered many messages, including four from him that were quite scary. I heard his voice call my name and then nothing but strained syllables. I rushed to the ER at the hospital near our house. By then he was stable but still a tad scattered, but could hold conversations.

A ct scan showed that no stroke had occurred. Blood work and xrays showed low sugar levels (he is on new medication for his diabetes, and a slight case of pneumonia, plus a urinary track infection.) He stayed in the hospital for two days and nights with heavy doses of antibiotics administered.

He is home and doing well. Needless to say, I am so very glad it was not a stroke.

I head to Thomas Jefferson next Tuesday.

Oh, Linda. What a scare! Thinking of you and Will.

BOOK #32

Living Well With Chronic Illness by Joanna J. Charnas

Written by a social worker who has lived with chronic pain for a long time, this easy to follow book is very helpful.

One of the things that rang true is the difficulty of living with chronic pain while trying to live a happy, productive life. So often doctors and others tell me I look great. The author addresses this issue and affirms that you don't have to look terrible to actually live with pain. Dressing and looking good is a very good coping mechanism.

Having friends who understand is incredibly helpful. I've had to cancel many functions with friends and always feel guilty. I've learned that friends understand.

Some suggestions are simple -- get lots of rest, drink plenty of fluids, breathe deeply and exercise as often as possible.

Yikes! Thinking of you and Will, Linda.

When my father gets infections now, it makes him delusional and forgetful of how to do simple things. Is that what happened? With the antibiotics, it sounds like maybe so. The good news with my dad is he eventually comes out of it, and gets back to his normal self. Strange stuff.

ILLUSTRATED BOOK #56

The Carousel by Liz Rosenberg

At twilight and the gloaming hour, two sisters walk through the park. As they approach the canvas covered carousel, they hear the sound of hoofs and the whinny noises of horses.

As they enter, they discover the horses and menagerie animals are alive. When one sister rides the zebra, the other rides a lovely horse and together they fly through the winter sky.

Remembering their mother, they are mindful of her stories of broken animals. Using her tool kit, they fix what is broken.

The incredible illustrations of LaMarche combine light and dark and create an atmosphere of magic."> The Carousel
by Liz Rosenberg with lovely illustrations of Jim LaMarche

At twilight and the gloaming hour, two sisters walk through the park. As they approach the canvas covered carousel, they hear the sound of hoofs and the whinny noises of horses.

As they enter, they discover the horses and menagerie animals are alive. When one sister rides the zebra, the other rides a lovely horse and together they fly through the winter sky.

Remembering their mother, they are mindful of her stories of broken animals. Using her tool kit, they fix what is broken. The reader is left with the sense that the mother of the girls has passed on, and in riding and fixing the animals, their grief turns to joy.

The incredible illustrations of LaMarche combine light and dark and create an atmosphere of magic.

https://books.google.com/books?id=ArQ52xyv2u4C&pg=PT28&source=gbs_select...

>145 jnwelch: Yes, Joe, that's what happened. Will is highly intelligent. To not remember a simple thing and to feel foggy, was very scary for him. The antibiotics helped. The doctor explained that as we age, infections cause varying issues.

>147 Whisper1: Right. I'll bet it was very scary for him. No pain (right? - our dad doesn't get any), just issues with processing. Our dad tried to put a pot of peonies in the fish tank, and thought the EMTs were taking him to jail. Unlike Will, it sounds like, he doesn't remember any of it.

Whew! So glad Will is okay. . . Scary stuff! And how great that the neighbors were close at hand and took care of him so well :)

>142 Whisper1: I'm so glad he is recovering - and that there were people to help.

>142 Whisper1: Linda! My goodness, what you two have been through, it's mind boggling. Hoping and praying for both of you, dear one! (((((LINDA & WILL))))))

Linda, I am glad you loved Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal?. I loved it, too.

And I am SO sorry to hear how tough life has been lately. You are so courageous and strong and persistently optimistic. Oh, and I am SO glad Will didn't have a stroke!!!! Still, it has been tough times and I'm sending you and yours lots of positive energy.

Just for some silly cheer:

Oooo boy, Linda. I get distracted for a couple of weeks, and shooowee, I find you are grappling with more than mere distractions. Glad to read that you've been able to ride the storm, and not get swept under. Since it has clouded over, here's a gif to let you watch the stars.

Hi, Linda! Great reviews of Why Be Happy and the Kennedys. Thumbs all around.

I also loved both books and I NEED to read more of both of these authors. I see, that Wood has a new book out. I also have her Ernie's Ark book in the stacks.

I am just catching up with your news now, Linda. Courage my friend as you find the strength to continue to go through your ordeal. It was good to hear that Will recovered after the infection was dealt with.

Dear Linda! I'm reading this all at once and so relieved that Will is O.K. I know that you both were terrified. I'm glad the weekend is upon us and hope the two of you can unwind some. Take care of each other!

Oh my dear...there is nothing I can say to let you know how much I hurt for both of you. SO glad Will will be OK, and now am refocusing prayers to include both of you so you can soon relax, enjoy your love of life and each other, and be free of pain.

OMG....I read your message and thought I was going to pass out. Fortunately, I was on the phone with Tina at the time and she said, no,no, keep reading.

I am so glad that Will is going to be alright and that you both are taking care.

I love you.

Cheli

I'm glad to hear that Will's event wasn't a stroke, Linda.

Hope this was a one time occurrence for Will, was hard on you too :-(
((((hugs))))

So scary Linda!!! Hoping Will is feeling better very soon. Very glad it wasn't a stroke. Holy cow. You guys are definitely due for a medically boring spell! Big hugs and lots of love.

BIG thanks to everyone. I am so very glad that in 2008, of all the LT groups to join, I chose this one!

Will is better. He is still coughing, but his breathing is much better, and his color is not pale.

Amen!

Hi Linda. Just getting caught up around the threads. You have been having quite a year! I am so glad that there is a plan for helping you be pain free. You are a very strong woman, but I hope that you can have some respite from the pain soon. I am so very glad that Will is OK. Sending lots of prayers and hope your way. ((( Hugs)))

Linda, i've barely been on the internet this week, and when I read your first message about Will, MY heart nearly stopped. So glad it wasn't a stroke and that he is doing much better.

>142 Whisper1: What a horrifying experience for both of you in such different ways Linda.
I have been away in the UK and Sao Tome and also missed the distressing visit of yours to the specialist and the frankly heartwarming messages sent to you by our number in its wake. Especially touched by the poem Jim posted.

Wishing all the best in the world for Will and your lovely self. xx

Glad Will is better! Hope you both have a good weekend, Linda.

I'm so sorry to hear about Will's fright, Linda, but relieved it wasn't as bad as it sounded. Those alarming messages must have terrified you. I agree with Kim...a spell of "medically boring" is definitely what I wish for you. I know it isn't really in the cards right now, but soon, I hope. Very soon.

>142 Whisper1: Yikes, how scary for you both and so relieved that it wasn't a stroke.

Just wanted to check up on you guys today. Sending hugs and flowers!!

Hi Linda - just catching up with things around here. So terrifying about Will but so glad it wasn't a stroke, but on top of everything else you're dealing with it's awful no matter what.

Thanks Everyone! Will is much better!

BOOK #33

The End of Law: A Novel of Hitler's Germany by Therese Down

This is a very engrossing book weaving the lives of families impacted by Hitler's quest for the destruction and murder of those in Germany who were deemed not fit to live. Not only Jews, but children who were challenged, women and men with mental illness, gypsies, homosexuals, and everyone who did not agree with the quest for the perfect nation were eliminated.

The character building was strong as the reader learns of Karl Muller, a chemist and doctor who was instrumental in obtaining a quicker way to kill. As the barbarity becomes increasingly intolerable, Karl decides to try to save at least one child. Hedda Gunther lived a life of luxury. Her father, also someone who assisted with the T4 program for euthanizing those noted as cripples, or in curable, eventually grew more and more upset with his role.

At a young age Hedda married handsome SS officer Walter Gunther. Gunther worked his way up the ladder of terror inflicted upon humanity. When Berlin was unexpectedly bombed by England, Walter and Hedda's daughter was slammed into a wall, rendering her in a coma with little help of a normal life. Karl Muller learns that Walter has signed the papers for his daughter to be exterminated. When he tells Hedda, she must try to save her daughter. Together Karl and Hedda work together to ensure her daughter will live.

SS officer Walter Gunther is a cold, calculating, wife beater. Hitler and his goals have long ago brainwashed Walter until there is nothing left but an unfeeling robot bent on the destruction of thousands.

Therese Down does a very credible job of portraying the complexity of Hitler's Germany.

While I thought the author repeated the stories over and over again, still, I would recommend the book.

Linda, I'm so glad Will is recovering from his health scare. Your neighbors sound wonderful!

On the reading front, When We Were the Kennedys is going right on my list of books to get from the library. No wonder I am not getting many of my own books read lately!

Donna, I think you will really like When We Were the Kennedys. It stays with me, and I read it a few weeks ago. It is a well written story.

Linda, here's a screen cap--cropped--showing the location of the Sculpture Garden I talked about on my thread. It's about on the ridge of South Mountain, above Sayre Park.

neat. I'll go searching on Friday!

Hello there! Glad to see you reviewing books again, and well, too! : )

Whew... very relieved it wasn't a stroke, but still SO scary! Sending {{{hugs}}} and lots of good wishes to you both!

Hi Linda, hope you have a good day my dear.

I'm ready for life to slow down a tad. Tuesday we drove to Philadelphia and I met with the surgeon who carefully went over all he will do on June 13. Traffic was heavy. We decided to get off the highway and stopped for a long lunch and had a nice break.

Will's doctor appointment yesterday went well. It was confirmed that he did not have a stroke and that as we age, any infection can cause extreme forgetfullness. His lungs are better and he will have an xray next week to be sure all pnemonia is gone.

Today I had a nuclear stress test to be cleared for surgery from my cardiologist.

We both relaxed this afternoon and took time for soup and salad at Olive Garden. It was an incredibly beautiful spring day. The grass is vivid green and soon the flowers in the garden will bloom in all their glory.

Life is hectic, but good!

Thanks to all for your posts. It means a lot!!

Was glad to read your report of your meeting with your surgeon on Facebook and also very happy that Will got the all clear from his doctor. Wishing both of you all the best!

^What Roni said. Thinking of you and Will, Linda.

Hi Linda, your message brought a tear to my eye my dear, I hope your energy levels improve and to that point I send love and hugs from over here to a special friend. So glad Will got the all clear from his doctor, hope you had a lovely time at the Olive Garden. Wishing you both a lovely relaxing weekend my dear and thinking of you.

Glad your meeting went well and that Will is doing better.

Dropping out of lurk to speak and wish you and Will some 100% good time in the very near future!

Great news, the confirmation that Will did not have a stroke. And the "life is hectic, but good" comment is a very good one to read. I'm really glad.

Wishing you a lovely weekend with steadily increasing energy and well-being for Will.

Happy Saturday, Linda!!

Wishing you a most wonderful and peaceful long weekend Linda and I do hope that Will is recuperating steadily and surely. xx

Wishing you a very happy, relaxing weekend. You and Will certainly deserve one!! Glad you could appreciate the loveliness of Spring and that you enjoyed the Olive Garden. A promising start...

Hello to all. Please forgive the lack of responding personally, and know that I hold all in my heart.

April was a slow reading month for me. Real life had brought pressing issues to the forefront. Perhaps May will be better.

BOOK #34

Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger



When I state that To Kill a Mockingbird is one of my top three all-time reads, and when I note that Ordinary Grace is similar in power, then there is no higher praise I can give! I now have four favorite books.

How I love this book...so much so that I went back to Barnes and Noble and bought the three remaining copies off the shelf in order to give them to those I think will appreciate this incredible tale.

In 1961 there is an unusually high number of deaths, murder, accidents, and suicide, with each impacting the town of New Breman, Minnesota in varying degrees of disbelief, prejudice and reconciliation.

Looking back forty years later, Frank Drum, who was thirteen years old that fateful summer, he tells a spirit filled, wonderful, emotional eulogy to those most impacted. There is a strong element of spirituality in this book. Without preaching, the author shines a bright light on the tragedies life brings us and the ensuing trials and testing of faith, and grace.

While there are many themes, the author paints them all with a lovely brush of color. There is the story of two brothers, Frank the older and Jake the younger who stutters his way through child hood. And, there is a story of the two brothers and their relationship, and severe grief when their beloved sister is found dead in a river. The character development is excellent.

In To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch is a moral, strong father, Frank and Jake's father is a steady light of finding grace in the midst of tragedy. He is a father worthy of respect. He is a minister of three small country churches, and we learn of his commitment through his ministry to those he helps, and to his family and friends.

Yet, to say that the father always finds sunshine would do grave dis service to the book. As their world spins out of control when their daughter/sister is found dead, and most likely murdered by someone in the town, the family seam is riven, tragically splitting, and then they eventually discover a way to sew their relationships back together.

To focus on this as only a coming of age story, would also do a dis service to the book. Too often, books are labeled young adult simply because the main character is not an adult, but has a life changing event that suddenly matures him or her. I credit the publisher and author in not making the error of pigeon holing this as a young adult book. Rather, it is a wonderful, incredible story beautifully told by a wise, sensitive young man who looks back and focuses on events that mold and shape.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Wow, that's some recommendation, Linda. Onto the WL it goes, and I'll try to get to it sooner rather than later. Thumb, too.

Hi Linda, Found and starred your lovely thread.

Hi Connie, It is so good to have you visit here!

BOOK #35

Emmett Till: The Murder That Shocked the World and Propelled the Civil Rights Movement by Devery S. Anderson


With the reading of this book, I have now exhausted my comprehensive search to learn as much about the sad, tragic death of 14 year old Emmett Till.

This is quite a comprehensive study of the subject. In particular, the author did a marvelous job of depicting the strong Jim Crow atmosphere of the Mississippi delta.

The fact that black men were depicted as depraved animals longing to violate white women was clearly outlined. While I find this thinking despicable, it was helpful in explaining the reason why two white red neck, vile, white men walked away free. With smiles on their faces, they left the court room smug in their victory.

Knowing that they could lie in the court room and have the backing of their lawyers who used the ugly sentiment at the time, allowed them to walk away freely.

If there is such a thing as pay back, both men had marriages that ended in divorce. And, while not particularly liked before their murder of Emmett Till, they were ostracized and not able to make a decent living.

ILLUSTRATED BOOK #57

The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires

This is a charming book about a girl and her dog. Determined, motivated with a stubborn personality, the girl sets the goal of making the MOST magnificent item. Accustomed to working with her hands and creating objects, the bar is set higher.

While not knowing just what the most magnificent thing is, she feels that creatively she will come to the conclusion and will be highly successful.

Frustrated, after many futile attempts, she gives up; she takes a break, and then returns to a successful end product.

The illustrations of Ashley Spires always make me smile.

>198 Whisper1: Great illustrations!

Just take everything day by day Linda and we are all here for you dear friend if you need us, sending love and hugs.

Thanks Joe and John! I find that if I look too far ahead, I could panic. Day by day is the best way, but also to prepare so the future doesn't smack me. This month is loaded with pre admission tests and appointments. It is the end of the semester and I also need to prepare for a three-four month absence to recover.

Deep breaths help.

Happy Night to All!

>193 Whisper1: Linda, I loved your review of Ordinary Grace. I read it three years ago and still think about it. A thumb from me to make your hot review even hotter!

Ah gee, thanks Donna. I'm glad that you liked Ordinary Grace as well. Have you read any of his other books?

>193 Whisper1: Wonderful review of the William Kent Krueger book. I've added it to my wishlist, and I'll try to get to it soon. I love the title - ordinary grace.

I'm far behind on threads so I'm just now learning of your upcoming surgery and Will's sudden illness and recovery. I'll be praying for you, and I'll definitely remember the surgery date. It's my mother's birthday and my Thingaversary.

Dear Linda, you make Ordinary Grace sound extraordinarily graceful. Glad you're reading something that inspiring! I heated up the review a bit too.
The end of the semester is such a draining time. Take care of yourself!

Wonderful reviews, as usual. How great that you now have FOUR favorite books! That is truly a find. As to what lies ahead, day to day is a fine way to proceed. Thinking of you. : )

Nice review of Ordinary Grace, Linda!

>193 Whisper1: Wow! Your review of Ordinary Grace really snagged me! Must add it to my collection!!

Kerry, Peggy, Kim and Darryl, many thanks for your visit.

Every once in awhile a book enters our lives that simply shines and stays in our soul, Ordinary grace is such a book!

Onto the wish list with Ordinary Grace.

And I love the illustrations in >198 Whisper1:. They make me smile, too!

ETA: Did you read the article that the two murderers sold to Look magazine about how they murdered Emmett Till? It's available online.

It looks like you have had a lot going on in real life as well. Deep breaths help everything, at least a little bit.

Also, I love seeing all the illustrations from the children's books. The ones in >198 Whisper1: are particularly to my liking.

Ah, you have the right attitude, Linda. Leave the "what ifs" alone and enjoy each day for what it brings. Glad to hear that Will is doing ok.

Oh Ordinary Grace is going on my wishlist.

Sorry to hear about Will , and I'm glad that it was not a stroke. Still very stressful. I stopped by to say I loved your review of Ordinary Grace. I read it a couple of years ago and it's one of the few books that both me and my husband enjoyed. Thumbed! When my now 31 one year old son got pneumonia ( following a flu) he did not blank out, but when he called me to say he wanted wondered if he should go to emergency - and of course I went and picked him right away and convinced him to go to Emergency with me, he seemed very " out of it' to me. That worried me almost more than the pneumonia . He was not hospitalized, just given antibiotics and a chest x -ray and an inhaler and followed closely by our family doctor for a couple of weeks.

I think pneumonia combined with a bladder infection would be a lot . Hugs to you and Will.

Hugs for sure, Linda dear.
I really don't have anything to add --- just letting you know that I'm here!

Dear Linda - Dropping by to say hello and let you know that I'm thinking of you.

Hello Linda, so sorry I've been absent from your thread so long! Lately life has limited my LT time mostly to maintaining my own thread (barely).

I'm so sorry that things have gotten so bad with your health, and that you must have surgery sooner than you'd like. It's good that you can finish the semester as you wish to.

Yow! What a scare with Will! So glad he is doing OK now.

And I'm really glad you loved Ordinary Grace. I loved it, too.

Hi Linda. Just skulking about. Looking forward to the next book sale in Bethlehem.

>210 streamsong:...No, I haven't read the Look article regarding the two murderers of Emmett Till. Would you mind sending the link? Thanks!!!!
>211 ursula: I am obsessed with children's illustrated books. Though I cannot draw a straight line even with a ruler, I so admire wonderful talent.
>212 Familyhistorian: Thanks for your visit, and your kind words
>213 SuziQoregon: I think you will like this book. It is very unique
>214 vancouverdeb: What a scary experience you and your son had. I'm glad to know it had a happy ending. Thanks for the thumbs up re. Ordinary Grace. It is a book that haunts.
>215 LizzieD: How great to see you here. Hugs!
>216 Copperskye: Thanks so much Joanne. I haven't been able to visit threads as much as I would like. I hope all is well with you.
>217 tymfos: Terri, I hope Sig is behaving and that your curtain rods are in place.
>218 weird_O: Bill, I've already decided to bring my case that has wheels. In that way I can avoid carrying heavy books. I'm heading to the children's illustrated book section first. How about you?

ILLUSTRATED BOOK #58


Hansel and Gretel by Will Moses

Perhaps one of the more serious of Grimm's fairytales, this time rendered with lovely folk art type images, the age old story continues to have the possibility of instilling nightmares into children.

The five major characters are a weak, easily led father, a dominant and abusive step mother, a wicked witch with an appetite for cannibalism, and two children who refuse to stay victimized.

When the last crumb of bread is nearing, the wicked step mother convinces the father to abandon his children in the woods. Hansel finds a way to get he and his sister back home. Once again, they are taken to the woods and left there, perhaps to die.

Finding a gingerbread abode decorated with plentiful candies, the hungry children eat away to their heart's content. When the witch discovers them, she takes them inside. Imprisoning Hansel in a cage, she tries to feed him so he can be plump enough to eat. Gretel continually gives the near blind witch a bone to fool her into believing Hansel is not ready to be devoured.

Pushing the witch into the fire enables the children to be free, and once again to find their way back home. The wicked step mother is dead and the father embraces the children.

I've always struggled with this fairy tale. Women are portrayed as dominant and prone to kill children, while the father is merely noted as helpless and at the mercy of his wife. Why children continue to return repeatedly to the place where they were neglected, is beyond logic.

The children are strong and great problem solvers, while the father is not able to care enough for his children so he can stand up to the step mother.

Problematic at best, this is dark and nasty. I need to understand the Grimm brothers more to see how their minds worked.

Linda, I'm within an inch or so of finishing a must-read for you: Jim Wallis's America's Original Sin: Racism, White Privilege, and the Bridge to a New America. I will definitely alert you when I have processed it well enough to write a review!
Meanwhile, there's always White Flour to make you smile. Also, the story may be GRIMM, but those illustrations of *H&G* are stunning.